Saunas are often marketed as lifestyle luxuries, but in reality, a well built sauna is a long term wellness investment.
In the UK especially, performance, running costs, and durability depend far more on insulation and construction than most buyers realise.
Many customers start their search comparing prices and aesthetics. Very few are told to ask the most important question of all. How well is the sauna insulated?
At Wellness One, insulation is the foundation of everything we build. Here is why that matters more than any other feature.
The UK Climate Problem Most Sauna Buyers Overlook
The UK presents a unique challenge for outdoor saunas.
• Cold winters
• High humidity
• Wind and rain
• Frequent temperature fluctuations
A sauna designed for warmer or more stable climates will struggle in the UK. This is why many lower cost saunas perform poorly after the first winter.
Common issues with poorly insulated saunas include:
• Long heat up times
• Inability to reach high temperatures in winter
• Constant heater operation
• High electricity bills
• Internal condensation
• Reduced lifespan of components
This is not a brand issue. It is basic physics.
Insulation. The Difference Between Adequate and Optimal
There are three main types of sauna construction on the market.
1. Barrel and single wall saunas. Zero insulation
Most barrel saunas are built from a single layer of timber with no insulation at all.
• Heat escapes directly through the walls
• Outer wall temperature is close to internal temperature
• Heater runs constantly to compensate
• Struggles below 5°C outdoor temperature
• High electricity consumption
• Heat up times of 45 to 60 minutes or more
No matter how good the timber is, wood alone is not insulation.
2. Mid range saunas with thin insulation
Some so called premium saunas include around 30mm of insulation behind timber cladding.
This is better than nothing, but still limited.
• Moderate heat retention
• Slower heat up times
• Noticeable temperature drops in winter
• Heater cycles frequently
• Compromised efficiency in cold weather
These saunas work reasonably well in mild conditions, but performance drops when the temperature falls.
3. Wellness One saunas. Built like a premium home
Wellness One saunas are built using Structural Insulated Panels with 100mm insulation in the walls, floor, and ceiling, forming a 200mm thick wall system.
This delivers:
• R value of approximately 6.5 to 7.0
• 6 to 7 times better heat retention than single wall saunas
• 3 times more insulation than mid range competitors
• Minimal thermal bridging
• Stable temperatures year round
• Reliable performance even in sub zero conditions
This is the same building science used in high performance homes. The sauna structure itself becomes the insulation.
Why Insulation Directly Impacts Running Costs
Heat loss equals energy waste.
In poorly insulated saunas, the heater must work constantly just to maintain temperature. This leads to significantly higher electricity bills over time.
Typical annual running costs:
• Barrel or uninsulated saunas. £300 to £400 per year
• Mid range 30mm insulated saunas. £200 to £250 per year
• Wellness One saunas. Approximately £100 to £150 per year
Over a 20 year lifespan, this difference becomes substantial.
The Real Return on Investment of a Premium Sauna
A sauna should not be judged on purchase price alone.
When comparing total ownership cost over 20 years, consider:
• Electricity savings
• Reduced maintenance and repairs
• Longer lifespan
• Reliable year round use
• Consistent user experience
A cheaper sauna may cost less upfront, but:
• Takes twice as long to heat up
• Costs significantly more to run
• Struggles in winter
• Is used less often due to inconvenience
• Often needs replacing far sooner
A Wellness One sauna is designed to work effortlessly. Faster heat up times mean spontaneous use. Lower running costs mean frequent use without concern. Consistent performance means it becomes part of daily routine, not a novelty.
Why Windows and Doors Matter as Much as Walls
Glass is one of the biggest sources of heat loss in any sauna.
Most competitors use:
• Single glazed glass
• Wooden window frames
Wellness One is the only major brand using double glazed aluminium framed windows and doors.
This provides:
• Significantly reduced heat loss
• No condensation issues
• Better durability
• Improved temperature stability
• A cleaner, architectural finish
Combined with the insulation system, this ensures heat stays exactly where it should be.
A Sauna Built for Decades, Not Seasons
Many people assume all saunas are similar. In reality, construction quality determines whether a sauna becomes a short term purchase or a 20 plus year wellness asset.
A properly insulated sauna:
• Heats faster
• Costs less to run
• Performs reliably in winter
• Protects internal components
• Delivers a better daily experience
This is why insulation is not an upgrade at Wellness One. It is the standard.
Investing in Wellness That Actually Lasts
A sauna should work like a premium appliance, not a seasonal experiment.
In the UK climate, insulation is not optional. It is the difference between frustration and enjoyment, between high running costs and efficiency, between a short term product and a long term investment.
At Wellness One, we build saunas to perform flawlessly in real world conditions, year after year, regardless of the weather.
Thinking about a sauna for your home?
If you are comparing options, ask one simple question.
How much insulation is in the walls, floor, and ceiling? The answer will tell you everything you need to know.
